ORA to open new visitor center in Franklin

From staff reports

The Oil Region Alliance will dedicate a new visitor center at the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10.

The public is invited to attend.

This is the fourth visitor center in the region developed by the Alliance. The others are in Oil City at the Venango Museum of Art, Science & Industry, Titusville at the Perry Street Station boarding site for the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad, and Emlenton at the Crawford Center.

The new center includes maps and a literature cabinet of brochures to orient travelers to attractions in Franklin and throughout the Oil Region.

“The ORA is excited to have a visitor center in Franklin to welcome guests who may be here for events or just strolling down Liberty Street,” said Jenn Burden, the Alliance’s heritage program manager. “We hope to pique their interest and encourage them to explore more throughout the region.”

A committee of Alliance volunteers worked with HW Exhibits of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, to develop the content, layout, and design in 2019. Steel City Displays of Phoenixville was selected to fabricate the exhibit, which includes information panels, photo banners, and artifact display cases.

The installation was completed this month to transform a corner of the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce into a mini museum.

The project was funded in phases by the National Park Service and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The center will be open during the Chamber’s regular business hours, free of charge, at 1255 Liberty St.

RSVPs for the dedication are appreciated, and anyone who would like to attend can email JGorman@OilRegion.org or call (814) 677-3152 by Monday, Nov. 8.